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Haim V. Levy

The Imperative for Netanyahu’s Resignation: Securing Israel’s Unity, Democracy, and Security

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s prolonged leadership poses significant risks to Israel’s unity, democracy, and security, necessitating his prompt resignation or removal from office. His tenure has deepened internal divisions, undermining social cohesion, and threatening the nation’s foundation[1].

Netanyahu’s strategy of division, often referred to as “divide and conquer,” has been a hallmark of his political approach. This strategy, initiated by his strategic consultant Arthur Finkelstein, involves fostering conflict among different segments of society to consolidate power[2]. Finkelstein played a pivotal role in shaping Netanyahu’s campaign strategies and messaging. By emphasizing and intensifying ethnic, religious, and political differences, Netanyahu has successfully maintained his political base while weakening potential opposition. This tactic has led to increased polarization, with significant animosity between various groups within Israeli society, including secular and religious communities, Jews and Arabs, and different political factions.

Furthermore, Netanyahu’s actions are eroding the foundations of Israeli democracy. His attempts to centralize power and diminish judicial independence are alarming. The judicial reforms proposed by his administration are not merely procedural adjustments; they could fundamentally alter Israel’s democratic framework, steering it towards authoritarianism. By weakening essential checks and balances, these reforms risk transforming Israel into an authoritarian regime.

Netanyahu’s formidable coalition, consisting of sixty-four members of the Knesset, presents a significant challenge, while also providing a protective shield for his position. This coalition, dominated by right-wing and orthodox elements, prioritizes narrow sectarian interests over broader national concerns, worsening societal divisions and hindering progress towards unity and stability. This coalition has secured disproportionate budget allocations, particularly to settlements in the West Bank and to orthodox communities, many of whose members neither work nor serve in the military.

Tens of thousands of residents have been compelled to move due to the ongoing war situation, yet the government’s response has been inadequate. This neglect has left these regions vulnerable and exposed, further endangering the lives of Israeli citizens.

Netanyahu must also be held accountable for the gross failures on October 7. The Israeli Defense Forces’ inability to preempt and effectively respond to threats, coupled with significant intelligence oversights on local and geopolitical dangers, including Iran’s nuclear ambitions, underscores serious deficiencies in his leadership. These failures have compromised national security and exposed avoidable vulnerabilities.

His handling of the hostage crisis further exemplifies his incompetence. Netanyahu’s seeming unwillingness or inability to secure the release of hostages demonstrates a lack of decisive leadership. The government’s failure to prioritize and act effectively in such critical matters raises profound concerns about his capability to govern.

Netanyahu’s governance failures, including his inadequate response to security threats and economic challenges, underscore his ineffectiveness as a leader. Economically, Israel struggles with soaring deficits and stagnation under Netanyahu’s leadership, aggravating hardships for ordinary citizens and jeopardizing long-term prosperity. The widening economic disparity among various segments of society has led to increased social unrest and dissatisfaction. Simultaneously, Netanyahu’s neglect of security threats, showed by his mishandling of crises and failure to address regional conflicts, has left vulnerable populations exposed and further endangered national security.

Additionally, Netanyahu’s tense relationship with Western countries, particularly the United States, further underscores his incompetence as a leader. The Biden-Netanyahu relationship faces tension due to diverging views on the Gaza war and their respective political challenges. Netanyahu’s actions and policies have strained relations with Western countries, particularly the US, adding complexity to the delicate diplomatic balance. This estrangement not only weakens international support for Israel but also isolates the nation at a time when strong alliances are crucial for addressing regional threats and upholding global standing. By failing to effectively manage these diplomatic relationships and navigate sensitive international issues, Netanyahu demonstrates a lack of leadership competence, further highlighting the urgency for new leadership in Israel.

Economically, Israel is facing significant challenges under Netanyahu’s leadership. The nation struggles with an enormous deficit, and the economic policies of his administration have failed to address these issues effectively. This has resulted in further economic deterioration, adversely affecting the lives of ordinary Israelis, and weakening the country’s economic stability.

Netanyahu’s inability to make strategic decisions and his repeated capitulation to the demands of his coalition partners have compromised Israel’s national interests and security. His failure to stand firm and make complex decisions highlights his ineffective leadership, rendering him unfit to lead the nation.

Furthermore, Netanyahu is currently involved in a trial, facing charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. This ongoing legal battle further undermines his credibility and distracts from his ability to govern effectively. The gravity of these allegations and the potential consequences for the rule of law in Israel underscore the urgent need for new leadership.

Given these pressing concerns, Netanyahu’s continued leadership jeopardizes Israel’s prospects and demands urgent action. His resignation or prompt initiation of new elections is imperative to restore stability, safeguard democracy, and ensure the nation’s long-term security and prosperity.

The path forward requires decisive action to remove Netanyahu from power, allowing for the restoration of unity, democracy, and security in the nation.

[1] Refer also to: The Imperative of Prime Ministerial Accountability in Democracy | Haim V. Levy | The Blogs (timesofisrael.com)

[2]  “Peres will divide Jerusalem” slogan that helped Netanyahu overcome Shimon Peres in that election. See: Arthur Finkelstein, strategist who helped Netanyahu to power, dies at 72 | The Times of Israel

About the Author
Dr. Levy is an Entrepreneur, Founder, and CEO specializing in the biomedical and medical devices sectors, and he is also a practicing lawyer. Additionally, he serves as an Executive Fellow at Woxsen University in Telangana, India.
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